2015 GM Trucks Get 8-Speed Transmission

by Derek Kreindler

Published: July 18th, 2014

Now that the new GM 8L90 has made its way down to the C7 Corvette, it was only a matter of time before GM put the new transmission in their pickup trucks.

Starting in 2015, all of GM’s full-size, body-on-frame pickup trucks and SUVs will get the new 8-speed gearbox. Fuel economy improvements haven’t been announced, though GM claims that the new transmission will allow for numerically lower final drive ratios, which should have a positive impact on highway fuel economy.

#8l90 #GeneralMotors #GM

Derek Kreindler

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7 of 51 comments

Jacob on Jul 20, 2014

Instead of designing a new N+2 gear automatic transmission every few years, why not just develop a good CVT and be done with it?

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- Brian P on Jul 20, 2014
  
  Because gear-to-gear transmissions are stronger and more reliable than any CVT developed thus far. And, a lot of people, myself included, hate the way CVT-equipped vehicles drive.
  
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- Highdesertcat on Jul 20, 2014
  
  @Brian P CVTs are the wave of the future. They are far simpler than step-transmissions and cost much less to build, resulting in a greater profit margin for the manufacturer. I, too, prefer step transmissions and hope that Toyota will put that fantastic Lexus 460 8-speed automatic in the Tundra, behind that magnificent 5.7L V8. For me, that would be my wish come true in a pickup truck. SUV/CUV/Sedan-wise, CVTs are on the horizon for just about ever brand. Many have already switched over completely. CVTs are better today than just a few years ago and OEMs are trying fancy gimmicks like programming in faux shift points to fool the driver. But the main advantage a CVT has over a step transmission remains fuel economy in that the engine can be operated at peak efficiency while the infinitely variable transmission matches torque to the load. For many people fuel economy trumps everything else.
  
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IppoMakunouchi on Jul 20, 2014

Current CVTs are limited in torque capacity and have a very specific shape (chainbelt cvts require two axis design). Most truck automatics are single axis and torque capacity is as simple as a diameter increase. I won't say it is impossible for a high torque RWD cvt, but it is a huge challenge.

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CapVandal on Jul 20, 2014

In heavy trucking, predictive cruise control is rolling out. "predictive cruise control feature on new transmission. Traxon software is tied in with GPS navigational systems to accurately track and predict upcoming terrain features, then adjust gear selection and shift patterns as well as throttle input to manage them effectively." Seems like once this is fully developed it could squeeze out a couple or three highway mpg for light trucks. Once it is fully developed, the marginal cost of tossing in electronics is low. The idea that a chip and gps could do as much as Ford aluminum is interesting. Maybe it has been tested and discarded ... I am hardly an expert on this. At least it follows the usual model of automotive improvement .... unlike google self driving cars. For a semi, 1 mpg is 10 to 20% improvement. Since they have single digit milage.

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Kevin Kluttz on Jul 21, 2014

Listen...I see a major recall appearing on the horizon and closing fast! Either that or a lot of idiots doing a lot of beta testing.

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- Highdesertcat on Jul 21, 2014
  
  Hah, the major recall appearing on the horizon is pretty much with anything GM you buy. A guy I know from church bought a Caddy new, 2011 or 2010 maybe, only to find out today that it will be recalled for one thing or another. My guess is the ignition switch, but he didn't say so.
  
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